Hello Cold Goodbye Sun Johnny Rock Records***

Hello Cold Goodbye Sun This is another strong performance from the Edinburgh collective, which swims in the spaces between a number of roots genres. Hello Cold…, their fifth album since 2006, is marked by a maturing: the warm, complex harmonies and frequently haunting melodies are driven by the luminous violin of Carrie Thomas, underpinned by Pat McGarvey's banjo and Marty Camino's double bass. The expansive and adventurous music offers a contrast to the dystopian future envisaged in many of the songs. All seven members play their part, but Thomas's violin and fragile vocals stand out on the opening pair, the moody title track and the folky Dark Passenger. Elsewhere, the jaunty Men in Robes, the gory glory of Days at the Seaside with Ice Cream and the percussive An Duill impress. southerntenant folkunion.com

Download: Dark Passenger, Men in Robes